After completing the LBJ School of Public Affairs’ accelerated D.C. program with the LBJ Washington Center, Sofia Odom (MPAff-DC ‘25) transitioned directly into her current role as a staff assistant for the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where she previously served as a fellow. Based in Washington, she now works alongside a team she describes as incredibly smart and passionate, contributing to meaningful policy work.
Although she officially graduated in December, Odom will be back on the Forty Acres this May to walk the stage with her classmates. For her, commencement is about reconnecting with the people who shaped her LBJ experience.
“Commencement means I’ll finally be able to walk with all of the friends I first made at the LBJ School,” she said. “They were an insane support system my first year of graduate school, and I have made memories and bonds I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Growing up in Austin, Odom was already familiar with the impact of the LBJ School and its sense of community. When considering graduate programs, she knew she wanted to build a career in Washington, D.C., but she also wanted a strong support system to help her get there. LBJ offered both.
“I knew I wanted to go to D.C. after graduation [from undergrad], but I wanted the support system of a professional program. It was perfect for me - I got to spend a year back home with family and friends before moving across the country to start my career.”
Before arriving on the Forty Acres, Odom earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University New Orleans. That experience helped shape her interest in public policy and ultimately led her back to Austin for graduate school.
At LBJ, two courses stood out in particular: Public Financial Management with Marty Luby and Politics and Policy in the American Welfare State with Pat Wong. Through them, she developed a deeper understanding of how budgeting shapes policy decisions and reaffirmed her interest in tax policy. She still draws on those lessons in her day-to-day work, often revisiting concepts from class when navigating policy questions.
Looking back, Odom’s advice for current and future LBJ students is straightforward: show up and take advantage of everything the program offers.
“Take the risk! Go to LBJ events, join softball [club], show up at art walks, hang out on the second floor, join GPAC, go all out for prom, take that intimidating class, do it all. You will meet some of the most amazing people in the world and accomplish things you never thought you could, but only if you try.”
Next month, Odom will return to where her LBJ journey began, celebrating alongside her classmates and joining the community as an alumna of the LBJ School.
Learn more about the LBJ Washington Center and the LBJ School's 2026 commencement.
